Health minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the measure would establish a rightful and respected status for the transgender population, which will be able to obtain healthcare services.
Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya would cover gender reassignment surgery for transgender people.
NHA and the Union social justice and empowerment ministry signed a memorandum of understanding on August 24 to include transgender people in Ayushman Bharat.
“They can get treatment in any AB PMJAY empanelled facility across the country,” the ministry said.
The social justice ministry will cover transgender beneficiaries for Rs 5 lakh per year.
Those who want the benefits must have a national transgender certificate.
A “master bundle” for the community includes the AB PM-JAY package plus sex-reassignment surgery and treatment.
The programme would cover transgender people not covered by existing federal or state programmes.
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Sex reassignment surgery lets people change their gender.
Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya lauded the MoU as the first of its type in the country, saying it will help transgender people receive treatment under AB-PMJAY.
“This MOU lays the groundwork for a transformative social revolution.” The move provides particular healthcare benefits to transgender people, he said.